“Man, nobody ever catches like that! Did you see the way he launched himself forward,…?”

“Bryce,….”

Mr. Kirby was still whooping in glee.

“Bryce!”

“Yes dear?”

“That’s not our son.”

(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image by Abigail Keenan via Unsplash.

Today’s word comes from yet another Doctor Who star – this time the wonderful Barnaby Edwards. Barnaby is a director and actor for Big Finish and also a frequent Dalek operator in the TV series! You can find him over on Twitter @BarnabyEdwards. Thanks for the word, Barnaby 🙂

If you have a word that you’d like me to write a story on, just pop it into the comments section below!

The Six year old girl plucked another apple from the tree, her thumb stroking the firm green flesh and sweeping droplets of water from the skin.

She looked into the garden. Trees were laden, heaving with fruit: rows of vegetables were blooming, leaves reaching towards blazing lightbulbs, far above. The glass biosphere stretched on and on. It was Eden and she was Eve.

The wasteland had blackened the boy’s skin. His hands stroked at his arms as he swayed in the frigid cold beyond the dome, watching the girl through the glass.

She waved as she bit into the Apple.

(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image by Cosmic Timetraveller via Unsplash.

Today’s One Word Title comes from Jemma Gross, artistic director of Epsilon Productions – an award winning theatre company based down in ol’ London Town. You can read more about her at http://www.jemmagross.com/ or find her on Twitter @JemmaGross. Thanks Jemma!

Don’t be shy: I’m accepting new one word titles all the time. Just pop your word in the comments with your name or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.

Ada looked across at the young woman beside her bed, surprised that someone had spoken. Her gaze focused slowly and she smiled.

“My favourite flowers are Chrysanthemums. Do you like Chrysanthemums, dear?”

“Yes, I love them.”

Ada couldn’t understand why the woman was crying. It was such a lovely day and her daughter would be visiting soon. She raised her finger to wipe the tear free from the pretty face and patted her cheek.

“Yes, Chrysanthemums. My Daughter always brings me a bunch.”

“She,…. sounds nice,…..” The woman was trembling as she kissed Ada’s hand.

“Happy birthday, Mom,…”

(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image by Callum Skelton via Unsplash.

Okay, I’m sorry. Some days the image that forms isn’t pleasant. I find degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s terrifying and so very deeply sad. I have occasion to visit a nursing home frequently and I see similar scenes every visit. The families who deal with it daily are so strong and I admire them immensely.

If you have a word that means something to you and you’d like to see what I make of it, pop it in the comments and I’ll write you a 100 word short story.

The light bulb buzzed and spat. Water was dripping down the chord and swirling in a fine spray from the tiny barred window.

Keith sat huddled on a freezing metal bed, eyes locked into the gloom. His throat hummed as he breathed, rocking gently on his lice-ridden mattress.

He wasn’t alone. Keith walked hand in hand with Andrew over the burning pale sands of the beach. Their feet brushed through the dunes and grasses, their laughter rolled into the sky. Hearts raced as lips blessed each other.

Keith was smiling in the darkness.

In his dreams he was never alone.

(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image by Ludovic Gauthier via Unsplash.

Another title suggested by Aliki Chapple – mother, activist, actor and proud Grecian. You can follow her and her work over on Twitter @amaenad

I’m looking for new one word story titles all the time! Tell me yours in the comments section or tweet them to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.

Goosebumps were itching on Eddie’s skin as he looked down into the pool 33 feet below. His head snapped back and he squeezed his eyes tight, a sharp breath hissing between his lips as his toes curled over the edge of the board.